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City of Palo Alto (CA)

California Authority Having Jurisdiction Solar permitting requirements
NEC Code Version2023
Fire Code Version2018 Building Code
SolarAPP+ StatusAdopted
Wet Stamps RequiredDigital Structural
Fire Setback Enforced1

Codes

NEC Code Version
2023
Fire Code Version
2018 Building Code
Code List

2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

2025 CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE

2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

2025 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE

2025 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE

2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE

2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE

2025 CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE

IEBC Accepted
1
ASCE Code Specification
ASCE 7-16

SolarAPP+ & submittal

SolarAPP+ Status
Adopted
Date SolarAPP+ Accepted
44655
Any SolarAPP+ Restrictions
1
SolarAPP+ Restriction Notes
No PV+ST
SolarAPP+ Restrictions
Existing Systems,Trenching,Historic District,MPU,Derate
How Many Plansets Required
3
Revision Required
1
Rough Inspection
None
New Planset Required For Module Swap
0

Stamps

Ee Stamp Required On SLD
No
Wet Stamps Required
Digital Structural
Structural Calculations Required
Yes
Stamp Location On Plans
Unspecified
Date On Stamps
Expiration Date

Fire setbacks

Fire Setback Enforced
1
Setback Notes

Standard

Structural & loads

Wind Speed
110
Wind Notes

Exposure Category B

Snow Load
0
Reducible Snow Load Allowed
1
Max Attachment Spacing
96
Structural Notes

AC/DC wire calcs required

Minimum Ground On Roof
#10

Electrical

AC Disconnect Required
Yes
Electrical Load Calcs Required
Derates
Allowed POI
Line Side Taps,PV Breaker,Load Side Taps,Meter Adapter
Panel Schedule Required
Partial Home Backup
Temperature Rating
90
De Rating Ampacity
0.87

Battery / ESS

Unique Battery Placards Needed
0
ESS Notes

Standard

Separate ESS Disconnect Required
ESS Disconnect
ESS Elevation Detail Required
No

Plan set

Plan Set Requirements

Provide Ironridge span chart If the site is next to a body of water (lake, creek, etc) an elevation plan is required to show that exterior equipment will be installed 1 ft above base flood elevation.

Roof Plan

Ballast and tilt-up panels with more than 18 from roof surface will require structural calcs. Structural engineering may be required on a case by case basis from AHJ.

Attachment Detail

double flashing required

Electrical Diagram

120% will be approved - but will have longer turn around time and a one time fee to submit ac disconnect required 2nd ac disconnect if not within line sight Clearly, indicate on the plan whether the microinverters are integrated grounding type or the earlier generation type which requires a grounding electrode conductor connection.

Label Page

Ensure the placard is in accordance with pages 12-15 of the PV handout https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/3/development-services/building-permits/pa_residential-photovoltaic-systems-pa_07302024.pdf

Custom Placards Required
1
Non Standard Planset Requirements
BOS Elevation

Ground mount

Ground Mount Fencing Required
Situational
Ground Mount Notes

scrim mesh for gm case by case basis on fencing around GM's

Compiled from public records, 2026. Requirements change with code cycles and local amendments. Verify with the City of Palo Alto (CA) building department before you rely on this, and treat it as a research head start, not a ruling. Getting quotes? Run them through the quote checker first.